league soccer balls

[supersweeper]

I first want to say it is a great idea to have league balls that are standardized to rid us of the poor quality balls that can find there way onto the games. However, I'm wandering if the league is looking to change(upgrade) the balls? I can't be the first to notice and again im not trying to sound petty, but there are definitely some issues with the Umbro balls. The biggest issue, is that once wet, it turns into a very heavy ball, which is terrible to head off a goal kick and also changes the way the ball is kicked,passed received etc. Both of our balls we have noticed have actually,lost their spherical shape. I know with playing/practicing with the higher end Adidas balls, we haven't had these issues. Obviously there are costs,sponsors etc involved. I'm just starting a conversation and I'm curious if others have had these issues?

[div1]

We are looking to get the newer Umbro game ball once the existing stock has run out.
We probably have enough to last all of next year - then we will look to get the newest Umbro ball that CSA uses as well.
If you have had those 2 game balls for 2 full years, you have gotten your monies worth.
At $80.00 a ball, getting 2 more would last you all of next year easily. (Unless you lose them in Sooke or Cordova Bay swamp)
Your 2 new balls would be nice and round and full of life - not full of water, and a pleasure to head!

Surprisingly, I have heard tons of positive stuff, not too much negative. Have been pleasantly surprised with how it has gone overall......and I think most teams have been too!

It will definitely be our first choice to stay with Umbro and use the CSA match ball.
There is no current 2nd choice - would most likely go back to the old way of bring 2 balls and see how it goes.

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[coachspenny]

Perhaps even have a list of match approved balls then clubs can ensure there are plenty high quality balls available. I agree they do get very heavy when lots of water is around (in Alberni we have lots) we had about 7or 8 World Cup balls Brazooka and jumbalya balls which are now training balls so playing with a 'lesser' ball than what we used to use. I understand the reason for continuity and quality and when dry they are decent balls but we are kinda wet here, so perhaps a more synthetic match ball, I think the MLS ball is synthetic isn't it?

[realcordova]

All balls are synthetic now. It's a bit of a myth about lower quality. They were being used in the FA cup for years until recently and were the match ball of the PDL (Highlanders league) as well as obviously CSA.
People have preferences and that's fine. Adidas/Nike cost more because they generate more demand by sponsoring some of the biggest competitions. The new ball (pictured) has a different case on it, maybe that would alleviate some of your concerns, but the current ones shouldn't soak within the 90 mins of use, more likely they haven't had chance to dry properly since last use. Are you guys keeping them separate from your other balls and not using them throughout the week?

I find they bounce more than the others mentioned, and are slightly heavier than the Nike ones, but haven't found the rain affecting them by anything other than a minuscule amount.

[supersweeper]

realcordova so in your opinion. Playing with the VISL balls are equal to a brazuca ball, or Champions league ball? The only difference in the two are not quality but just endorsements creating more costs?

[whodey]

I'll throw my 2 cents in here as someone who is a bit of a ball snob. To be honest I was concerned when VISL switched to mandatory league balls as most of the balls that were used during the games I was a part of were of very nice. Sometimes when the main ball would go too far out of bounds and the other ball was switched in it would be a hard switch to go between the two different balls because one had a completely different feel. I don't mind the Adidas match balls but they tend to flutter, especially the jabalani, the brazuca isn't terrible, the Nike Match ball is very nice but the colours this year are pretty terrible. In my opinion the Umbro balls supplied by VISL are of pretty good quality, they aren't as light as the Adidas or Nike but they are certainly more durable and probably only half the price of the $150 adidas/nike balls. I have more of a problem with the other team/ ref pumping the balls up to be rock hard, when the Umbro balls are inflated correctly they're a really solid match ball.

[supersweeper]

Fair enough. I would say that we do use these balls throughout the week as its nice to practice with a ball that your going to play with. So there is a chance that they are water logged by then. It just doesn't seem to affect our other balls as much. However the price point for these umbro balls are a huge plus. So a question for Vince,
If a team was to buy a bunch (8 or 10) of the existing balls. So they have only game balls and practice balls. Will these balls still be recognized once you bring in the next set of Umbro balls like the one you attached. will a VISL ball that is recognized now forever be recognized?

[div1]

Good question.

Yes, as long as the ball is still in decent shape - then it would still be recognized.
Essentially, as long as our logo is on the ball - it would be an authorized game ball.

I will throw it out there again that the ball has to be still good.
Don't bring a VISL ball out in 15 years saying it is an authorized game ball if it is peeling or missing patches - or you can hear it hissing when it goes over your head.

[div1]

of course, all subject to change pending membership and what they think.
i have not discussed this with Board, but pretty sure that would be our direction.

[supersweeper]

Thanks for,the clarification. And how much jurisdiction does the approved ball go. For league and visl cup play? what about provincial cup play. Are we expected or governed to use the umbro ball?

[supersweeper]

Sorry that thread sounded sarcastic. Not intended. Just clarification

[div1]

Provincial Cup you can use what you like......VISL ball is strictly for VISL sanctioned games.

If you think you can do better with another ball - fill your boots.........you guys have had one of your worst years ever so maybe a little change of balls will help you find the back of the net??
And, it will be very hospitable of you to use a ball that the VMSL uses all the time......they use Adidas balls I believe - just no VMSL logo on ball.

I did mean a little sarcasm there......you guys have clearly had an awesome year!